Living Free - September 2, 2011

"Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I willbe exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth!" Psalm 46:10 AMP

Thoughts for Today

Life-controlling problems are things that master our lives … things like addictions, destructive behaviors and even certain types of relationships.

Is someone you care about struggling with a life-controlling problem? Do you want to help? That's wonderful … but it's vital for you to realize what you can—and can't—do.

In order to help your loved one, you must examine yourself to see if you are experiencing the "Messiah Complex" … and rid yourself of it if you are. The Messiah Complex describes the situation when we want to see a person receive help so much that we take on the role of God. Our goal should be to trust God versus please God by fixing the problem; otherwise, we may find ourselves driven by guilt and hopelessly resigned to making things happen on our own.

Consider this …

God doesn't want us to take on God-sized problems. He wants us to trust him. We simply need to take a deep breath and realize that he is God.

Are you in a frenzy of confusion? You want to help but nothing you try seems to work? Feeling frustrated, and maybe even a little frantic? Take time out to "Be still and know that I am God."

He is power … he is all-knowing … he is love … he is able.

Prayer

Lord, I get in such a frenzy sometimes trying to fix everything myself. And it just doesn't work. Help me to remember to be still … to be calm … and to know, really know, that you are God. In Jesus' name …

These thoughts were drawn from …

Close—But Not Too Close by Dr. Jimmy Ray Lee. A complement to the Concerned Persons small group study, this booklet is written primarily for those who want to help someone close to them who is enslaved by the stronghold of a life-controlling issue. It is also designed to help someone who is suffering the consequences of a loved one's problem.

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